Addendum
China overruled on emissions targets for airlines
October 1st 2021
IATA may have approved a resolution for the global air transport industry to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, but it was the one item on the first day of the association’s annual general meeting (AGM) in Boston that did not go through unopposed. Read More » Chinese airlines, it appears, are not over happy with the target. When the AGM called for comments or opposition to the proposal there were none in Boston.
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But Liu Shaoyong, CEO of Shanghai-based China Eastern Airlines (CEA), speaking online from China, drew attention to his government’s policy of net zero emissions by 2060, not 2050. However, there were no seconders for an amendment so the original proposal was approved.
Interestingly, minutes later it was announced IATA had accepted an invitation from CEA to host the association’s 78th Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Shanghai next June.
IATA director general, Willie Walsh, said approval of a 2050 target was a momentous decision by the world’s airlines to ensure flying is sustainable. “The post-COVID-19 re-connect will be on a clear path towards net zero. That will ensure the freedom of future generations to sustainably explore, learn, trade, build markets, appreciate cultures and connect with people the world over. With the collective efforts of the entire value chain and supportive government policies, aviation will achieve net zero emissions by 2050,” he said. See IATA AGM report page 16.
